The Equality Campaign today applauded the inclusion of long standing Australian Marriage Equality campaigners Peter de Waal and his partner of 50 years, the late Peter Bonsall-Boone (Bon) in the Queen’s Honours List.
“It is great to see the incredible efforts of Peter and Bon acknowledged as Members (AM) in the Order of Australia in the 2017 Queens Honours list,” said Anna Brown of The Equality Campaign.
“After all these years, it is a genuinely poignant moment that these two wonderful Australians who were dedicated to achieving equality for LGBTI people are being so proudly acknowledged.
“Due to the recent passing of Bon, the timing of this honour is tinged with sadness and reminds us that for many Australians time is not on their side for achieving marriage equality.
“For more than 50 years Peter and Bon were at the forefront of the equality movement in Australia. It is great to see their life long efforts are being honoured and their struggle for acceptance and equality for all LGBTI Australians recognised in our history.
“Having worked closely with Peter and Bon on the expunging of criminal histories for LGBTI Australians, this honour could not be a more fitting tribute to two very special people.
“LGBTI people wish for nothing more to be treated as full members of society with the same dignity and it is great to see so many LGBTI people such as Qantas CEO Alan Joyce and Michael Ebeid and others who have been acknowledged for their commitment to making our nation a fairer place for all,” Anna Brown concluded.
Clint McGilvray
